John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will confirm a date for the commencement of the promised statutory inquiry relative to a person (details supplied); if contact has been made with the person to agree the terms of reference of the inquiry; the action taken since the announcement to establish the inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27901/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The matter to which the Deputy refers was considered by the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) set up by the Government to review complaints of Garda misconduct which had been made to the Taoiseach and myself. Counsel on the panel of the IRM recommended that an inquiry be set up to consider this complaint.

I accepted counsel's recommendation and decided to establish an inquiry under section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Officials in my Department are continuing to consult with the Office of the Attorney General with regard to matters concerning the establishment of this and a number of other section 42 inquiries. These matters include the setting of appropriate terms of reference for each inquiry and naming the person who will carry it out.

I hope to have the terms of reference settled with the Attorney General shortly. I should point out that section 42 (3A) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, requires me to consult with the Policing Authority with regard to these terms of reference.

I will be in contact with the relevant person as soon as the terms of reference have been settled.